DHSEM Update: June 30

Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Update ~ June 30, 2014

The Update includes information on:
  1. South Canyon Fire 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event
  2. Current Fire Restriction Levels
  3. Public Assistance Updates
  4.  SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to Colorado Counties Neighboring Utah
  5. DHS Rick Rescorla National Award for Resilience:  Nominate Someone Today
  6. CEPP August Meeting Information
  7. Kudos and Congratulations
  8. Educational Resources
    1. July Social Media Templates Available from DHSEM and READYColorado
    2. Lessons Learned after the September Floods
    3. Public Information Officer Resources
    4. Community Preparedness Training and Exercises
    5. Continuity Guidance Circular 2
  9. Training Information
    1. FEMA Courses
    2. New IPAWS Online Course
    3. Upcoming Public Information Officer Courses
    4. DHSEM Training Courses
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Backcountry Visitors Reminded to be Safe with Fire from Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch

DURANGO INTERAGENCY FIRE DISPATCH

The Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center reports that fire danger is moderate in much of southwestern Colorado, but conditions are dry at lower to middle elevations. Fire restrictions are not in place on the San Juan National Forest, but the public is encouraged to be very careful with fire over the July 4th weekend and rest of the summer by following the below safety tips:

  • Call or visit the nearest San Juan National Forest office to find out if fire danger is low, moderate, high or extreme.
  • Clear the area around campfires. Remove all vegetation and debris from within 10 feet before you start a fire.
  • Have a bucket of water, shovel, and other implements on hand in case wind or other conditions cause your campfire to get out of control.
  • Never leave a campfire unattended. Make sure campfires are completely out before leaving. Stir water and dirt into the coals until the coals are cool to the touch and there is no smoke.
  • Extinguish smoking materials only in cleared areas free of vegetation or debris. Never toss cigarette butts out the car window.
  • Don’t park cars or recreational vehicles over dry vegetation. Exhaust systems can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees; hot enough to start a wildfire during the summer.
  • Use an approved spark arrester on off-road vehicles and chainsaws. The screen between the exhaust port of the piston and muffler helps ensure that sparks generated won’t start wildfires. Check and replace spark arresters periodically.
  • Fireworks are always illegal on National Forest lands. The penalty for violators is a maximum of six months in prison and/or $5,000 fine. Anyone responsible for starting a wildfire may also be held responsible for the cost of putting it out and for damage caused.
To report a fire on federal lands, please contact the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 970 385-1324.
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State EOC Upgrades: June 30

The State EOC is finishing final details related to the upgrade.  The State EOC upgrade is funded by a CSEPP grant.  Activities scheduled for today include:
  • State EOC basic training;
  • Final clean-up;
  • Continued set-up and testing of computer sources; and
  • Returning and set-up of remaining State EOC computers.
Here is a look at the State EOC this morning:

Picture of State EOC final set up of computers at each work station.
State EOC final set-up of computers at each work space.

Photo of State EOC after upgrades.
State EOC finishing touches on upgrades.
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Colorado Daily Status Report June 30

Alerts/Warnings            
National Terrorism Advisory System - No Current Alerts * Twitter * Facebook
National Wildfire Preparedness Level 1 – NIFC Sit Report – Definition of Levels
Rocky Mountain Preparedness Level 1 – RMCC Morning Intelligence * Sit Report
State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Status
Duty Officer: (303) 472-4046
Emergency Operations Center (SEOC):  The SEOC is activated at Level IV.  This is a low level virtual activation to provide for monitoring and support for flooding, mud/landslide, fire and weather concerns.
Eightmile Fire
Date of Incident:
June 23, 2014
Location:
 Fremont County, 6 miles northeast of Cañon City on Federal land.
Size
524 acres
Containment
25%
Cause:
Lightning
Evacuations
16 homes on pre-evacuations notice
Closures:
Phantom Canyon road (CR 67) is now closed between mile markers 4.5 and 13.
Information Updates:
Inciweb – Incident 3914, @RMIMT2_TeamB, @COEmergency, @COStateFire, Colorado Wildfire Watch mobile app

Mesa County – West Salt Creek Landslide
Date of Incident:
Saturday, May 25
Location:
Collbran, Co
Area Impacted:
4 miles long, 2 miles wide and up to 250 feet deep.
Information Sources:
Mesa County Blog
Additional:
USGS, Colorado Geological Survey, and DHSEM Regional Field Manager providing direct technical support, continued monitoring and coordination of resources.

View or download the complete Colorado Daily Status Report for June 30, 2014
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Eightmile Fire Update

Update provided by Rocky Mountain IMT Team B. 

Time/Date Started: June 23, 2014 at 5:10 pm.
Location: 6 miles northeast of Cañon City, Colorado
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Piñon, Juniper, Ponderosa Pine, Gambel Oak
 Size: 495 acres
Containment: 10%
Closures: County Road 67 (Phantom Canyon Road) at MM 4.5-MM 13

Updates posted on Inciweb. 
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Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week: Lightning and Wildfires

Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week concludes today with wildfires being the final topic. During the past week we have presented lightning information and safety rules. Although wildfires are not an actual weather phenomenon wildfires are directly related to lightning and other weather elements.

Normally, the wildfire threat in Colorado increases significantly after the middle of June and usually peaks in early July...and remains high through August and early September. Colorado averages about 2,500 wildfires each year.

About half of all forest fires in Colorado are ignited by lightning. Additionally, many rangeland and wheatfield fires are caused by lightning. Many of these lightning caused wildfires occur in the absence of rain and are the result of what is referred to as dry thunderstorms.

Read the full blog post written by the National Weather Service at www.READYColorado.com.  
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Eightmile Fire Update - 9 p.m

DATE: June 27, 2014

Contact: Gregg Goodland, Public Information Officer, 720-336-8297 (fire information line)

 

Eightmile Fire 9:00 PM Update

 

CANON CITY, Colo. – The Eightmile Fire, approximately 6 miles northeast of Cañon City, is being managed with a Confine/Contain strategy. Friday evening report is as follows:

 

Ø  Estimated size is now 700 acres.

                                                                                                           

Ø  The Fremont County Sheriff, in cooperation with Eightmile Fire managers, has issued a pre-evacuation notice for 16 residences in the Red Rocks Subdivision.  Specifically, the residents on the west side of County Road 132 from mile marker 5 to mile marker 9.5.  Residents are encouraged to be prepared to evacuate should the need arise.  Again, this is a pre-evacuation notice only.                                                                                                                                

Ø  Phantom Canyon road closure has changed.  It is now closed from mile marker 4.5 to mile marker 12.     

 

Ø  The fire is less active this evening and is expected to continue to burn throughout the night.                                                                                                                                                         

Ø  Smoke is likely to impact low-lying areas.

                                                                                               

Ø  The three helicopters, 3 Single Engine Airtankers, 2 heavy airtankers, and air attack have all stopped flying for the evening.  Will be back in the air in the morning.

                                   

Ø  There will be 4 engines patrolling the fire throughout the night.

 

                                                           

Ø  There are currently 72 resources assigned to the fire.  The Rocky Mountain Type 2 Incident Management Team B will assume command of the fire at 0600 on June 28, 2014.

                                                                                                                                                           

Ø  This will be the last update this evening unless fire activity warrants another update.

 

end

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Eightmile Fire Update: 2 p.m.

News release from Gregg Goodland, Public Information Officer, 720-336-8297 (fire information line)

Eightmile Fire 2:00 PM Update

The Eightmile Fire, approximately 6 miles northeast of Cañon City, is being managed with a Confine/Contain strategy. Friday, firefighters report the following:

  • Estimated size is now 100 acres.
  • Fire activity remains at very active this afternoon. Warmer temperatures, lower humidity and wind have increased fire behavior.
  • Phantom Canyon road remains closed between mile markers 8 and 12.
  • Currently, there are no pre-evacuation or evacuation orders.
  • Smoke will continue to be visible from greater distances today, including Cañon City, Pueblo and Colorado Springs.
  • There are currently 35 resources assigned to the fire. Four 20-person Hotshot crews and a Type 2 Incident Management Team have been ordered.
  • A helicopter, known as a Type 1 helitanker, has been committed to the fire and will be used as needed by the fire crews on the fire. 2 Single Engine Air Tankers are also committed to the fire. Additionally, two heavy air-tankers have been ordered.
  • Crews will continue construction of the indirect fire line in strategic locations.
  • An on-site media update will be held at 4:00 PM at the intersection State Highway 67 and County Road 123.
Read official news release.


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Colorado Daily Status Report June 27

Alerts/Warnings            
National Terrorism Advisory System - No Current Alerts * Twitter * Facebook
National Wildfire Preparedness Level 1 – NIFC Sit Report – Definition of Levels
Rocky Mountain Preparedness Level 1 – RMCC Morning Intelligence * Sit Report
State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Status
Duty Officer: (303) 472-4046
Emergency Operations Center (SEOC):  The SEOC is activated at Level IV.  This is a low level virtual activation to provide for monitoring and support for flooding, mud/landslide, fire and weather concerns.

Eightmile Fire

Date of Incident:
June 25, 2014
Location:
 Fremont County, 6 miles northeast of Cañon City on Federal land.
Size
60 acres
Containment
None reported
Resources:
24 firefighters with four 20-person Hotshot crews ordered.  Type 1 helitanker, has been committed to the fire and will be used as needed by the fire crews on the fire.  Two Single Engine Air Tankers are available at the Fremont County Airport, if needed.
Additional:
Phantom Canyon road is now closed between mile markers 8 and 12.
Information Updates:
@PSICC_NF, @COStateFire, Colorado Wildfire Watch mobile app,@COEmergency

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Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week: Medical Issues of Lightning Injuries


Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week continues through Saturday. Lightning safety information provided this week will hopefully help you avoid any encounters with lightning. Today we discuss lightning injuries.

The facts about lightning strike victims:
In Colorado cloud to ground lightning flashes occur nearly a half million times each year. With millions of visitors and extensive outdoor activities it is not surprising that three people are killed each year in Colorado and there are an average of 13 lightning injuries. While any death is tragic, injuries can be equally tragic and devastating to the family. For those who have a relative that suffers a significant disability from lightning life changes forever. In addition to the physical pain and mental anguish suffered by the victim and their family the incident may lead to a loss of income for the family. Over time, medical expenses for treatment may drain the assets of a family.


View the full blog post written by the National Weather Service at www.READYColorado.com. 
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Colorado Daily Status Report June 26

Alerts/Warnings            
National Terrorism Advisory System - No Current Alerts * Twitter * Facebook
National Wildfire Preparedness Level 1 – NIFC Sit Report – Definition of Levels
Rocky Mountain Preparedness Level 1 – RMCC Morning Intelligence * Sit Report
State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Status
Duty Officer: (303) 472-4046
Emergency Operations Center (SEOC):  The SEOC is activated at Level IV.  This is a low level virtual activation to provide for monitoring and support for flooding, mud/landslide, fire and weather concerns.
*****

View or download the complete Colorado Daily Status Report June 26, 2014.
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Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week: Safe Shelters and Indoor Lightning Safety


The week of June 22 through June 28 is Lightning Safety Awareness Week in Colorado and nationwide. This public information statement will discuss safe shelters and indoor lightning safety.

Statistics tell us that we are much less likely to become a lightning victim if we remain inside a substantial structure such as a home or office building when thunderstorms are nearby. In 2013, 23 people in the United States lost their lives after being struck by lightning and countless others were injured. While most people struck by lightning are outside in open areas such as ball fields, parks, golf courses, near water or some type of machinery, a small percentage of those killed or injured are indoors. Therefore it is important to discuss indoor lightning safety.

Read the full blog post written by the National Weather Service at READYColorado.com.  
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Black Hills Fire Update: June 25

News release provided by Huerfano County, Office of Emergency Management, Public Information Officer Lori Cordova at 5:08 p.m.

Summary of Black Hills Fire

A fire is burning in Huerfano County approximately 10 miles northwest of Walsenburg in rugged terrain on the Major Ranch subdivision.  The fire was reported to the Huerfano County dispatch at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Size-up Information

The fire has burned approximately three acres and is 0% contained.

Cause

Unknown cause at this time, however, lightning has been reported in the area.

Kind of Fuels

Pinon, grass

Jurisdiction

Huerfano County

Cooperating Agencies

Huerfano County Fire Department, LaVeta Fire, Upper Huerfano Fire, Huerfano County Road and Bridge and Red Cross

Management Strategies

Cut a fire line and contain.

Remarks

No structures in the area or threatened at this time.
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State EOC Upgrade Status: June 25

The State Emergency Operations Center upgrade work continues and is scheduled to be completed by
June 30.  The upgrades are provided by Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) grant funds.  The photos below so the new configuration of staff work space and the video display wall.

Completed items include:


  • Additional minor electrical upgrades
  • Installing SEOC conferencing & wireless microphones
  • Racking of A/V and Polycom equipment
  • Installation of SEOC video wall displays
  • Installation of Policy Room video wall mounts
  • Installation of Policy Room displays
  • Installation of SEOC video wall mounts
  • Installation of 80" interactive displays
  • Final electrical inspection passed
  • Building inspection passed
  • Electrical rough-in passed
  • Carpet re-installation
  • Structural engineer's inspection - letter received verifying work is completed to specifications
  • Re-assembly of raised floor
  • Repositioning 32" display at the back of the SEOC
  • Installing 60" display at the back of the SEOC
  • Installation of monitors in Directors' and PIO's offices
  • Steel frame installation
  • Patching/painting walls

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Colorado Daily Status Report June 25

Alerts/Warnings            
National Terrorism Advisory System - No Current Alerts * Twitter * Facebook
National Wildfire Preparedness Level 1 – NIFC Sit Report – Definition of Levels
Rocky Mountain Preparedness Level 1 – RMCC Morning Intelligence * Sit Report
State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Status
Duty Officer: (303) 472-4046
Emergency Operations Center (SEOC):  The SEOC is activated at Level IV.  This is a low level virtual activation to provide for monitoring and support for flooding, mud/landslide, fire and weather concerns.
*****
View or download the complete Colorado Daily Status Report for June 25, 2014.
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Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week: Outdoor Lightning Safety

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week continues through Saturday. Yesterday we discussed the science of lightning. Today we will cover outdoor lightning safety.

Outdoors is the most dangerous place to be during a thunderstorm. Each year, many people in the United States are struck by lightning while working outside, at sporting events, on the beach, mountain climbing, fishing, mowing the lawn or during other outdoor activities. In 2013, 23 people in the United States were killed and many more were survivors of a lightning strike. All of those lightning fatalities occurred outdoors.

In Colorado, since 1959 there have been 141 documented lightning fatalities and hundreds of others who were injured by lightning. In 2013 there were no documented lightning fatalities in Colorado. However, 22 people within the state were struck by lightning while outdoors and all survived.


Read the full blog post written by the National Weather Service at READYColorado.com. 
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Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week: The Science of Thunderstorms and Lightning


Colorado Lightning Safety Week continues through this Saturday. Today we discuss the science of lightning. 

Every thunderstorm produces lightning.  Lightning is a giant spark that moves within the cloud, between clouds, or between the cloud and the ground.  As lightning passes through the air...it heats the air rapidly to a temperature of about fifty thousand degrees Fahrenheit.  This causes a rapid expansion of the air near the lightning channel.  This rapid expansion causes a shock wave that we hear as thunder. 

Read the full blog posting at READYColorado.com.  
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Lightning cause of four wildfires yesterday

News release from the Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit PIO. 

The Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit responded to four lightning caused wildland fires that were reported to Craig Interagency Dispatch Center Sunday afternoon, June 22.

The Big Jimmy is the largest of the wildland fires at eleven acres on Bureau of Land Management managed land in the Piceance Basin area about 20 miles southwest of Meeker, Rio Blanco County.  The fire is burning in pinion and juniper and was very active late yesterday with flames running through the tree crowns. A type 3 helicopter was ordered to assist with water drops and carry supplies to the three engine crews fighting the fire.  Crews had the north and east flanks of the fire lined late yesterday working to keep it from burning onto private land. 

The two one tenth acre fires in Piceance Basin on BLM land are contained and each has an engine crew assigned.

The Maybell Fire on private land one mile southeast of Maybell, Moffat County is one tenth acre and was contained yesterday shortly after 4 p.m. The Moffat County Sheriff’s Office, Maybell Volunteer Fire Department and BLM responded to this wildland fire.

Fire danger remains high in Moffat and Rio Blanco counties and moderate in Routt, Jackson and Grand counties.

Now that annual perennial grasses are curing and losing moisture, local, state and federal fire officials ask that you use fire outdoors safely.  Always check weather conditions prior to igniting any fire and have a shovel and water on hand to douse and smother fires. Never leave any outdoor fire unattended until it is completely extinguished.

Check with you local Sheriff’s Office for local burn ordinances and before beginning any agriculture burning.

 

-####-


-- 
Lynn Barclay
Northwest Colorado Fire Management Unit
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Colorado Daily Status Report June 23

Alerts/Warnings            
National Terrorism Advisory System - No Current Alerts * Twitter * Facebook
National Wildfire Preparedness Level 2 – NIFC Sit Report – Definition of Levels
Rocky Mountain Preparedness Level 1 – RMCC Morning Intelligence * Sit Report
State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Status
Duty Officer: (303) 472-4046
Emergency Operations Center (SEOC):  The SEOC is activated at Level IV.  This is a low level virtual activation to provide for monitoring and support for flooding, mud/landslide, fire and weather concerns.
*****
View or download the complete Colorado Daily Status Report for June 23, 2014
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Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week: Lightning Safety Overview


In the United States, there are an estimated 23 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year and each one is a potential threat to life and property. The 30-year average of human lightning fatalities is 52. The 10-year average of human lightning fatalities is 35. Last year 23 people were killed by lightning in the United States. Dozens of others were permanently injured. As a general rule...of the victims who were killed in 2013:


  • Nearly 100 percent were outdoors.
  • Around 74 percent were male.
  • Around 15 percent were under a tree.
  • Around 26 percent occurred on or near the water.
Please visit our READYColorado.com website for the full blog post written by the National Weather Service for Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week by Governor John Hickenlooper.

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Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week 2014



Governor Hickenlooper has proclaimed the week of 22 - 28 June as Colorado Lightning Safety Awareness Week. The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, READYColorado and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control are partnering together this week with the National Weather Service to raise the awareness of lightning safety.  The National Weather Service will write daily blogs that will be posted on READYColorado.com each day.

Lightning strikes the ground in our state over a half million times each year...and with many of us participating in outdoor activities we need to learn how to protect ourselves from the lightning threat.

Lightning is also responsible for about half of the wildfires in Colorado each year. When lightning or other conditions are conducive to a high wildfire threat the National Weather Service will issue Fire Weather Watches or Red Flag Warnings. 

During this week a series of statements will cover a variety of topics related to lightning and wildfires: 
MONDAY:  LIGHTNING OVERVIEW
TUESDAY:  THE SCIENCE OF THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING
WEDNESDAY:  LIGHTNING SAFETY OUTSIDE
THURSDAY:  LIGHTNING SAFETY INSIDE
FRIDAY:  MEDICAL ISSUES OF LIGHTNING INJURIES
SATURDAY:  LIGHTNING AND WILDFIRES 

There are a couple of web sites that contain additional information.  Information on lightning across the United States can be found at:

 HTTP://WWW.LIGHTNINGSAFETY.NOAA.GOV 

Information on lightning statistics in Colorado is available at:

HTTP://WWW.WEATHER.GOV/PUEBLO/LTG.PHP
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Colorado Daily Status Report June 20, 2014

Alerts/Warnings            
National Terrorism Advisory System - No Current Alerts * Twitter * Facebook
National Wildfire Preparedness Level 2 – NIFC Sit Report – Definition of Levels
Rocky Mountain Preparedness Level 1 – RMCC Morning Intelligence * Sit Report
State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Status
Duty Officer: (303) 472-4046

Emergency Operations Center (SEOC):  The SEOC is activated at Level IV.  This is a low level virtual activation to provide for monitoring and support for flooding, mud/landslide, fire and weather concerns.
*****
View or download the complete Colorado Daily Status Report for June 20, 2014.
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